2019 NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets preview

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets defends against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 123-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images /

Key Question No. 1: How much can Embiid handle?

The Nets’ strengths provide a tougher matchup than you’d think for Philly; the Sixers have a mediocre pick-and-roll defense, the staple of Brooklyn’s attack. Russell, Dinwiddie and LeVert can all give the Sixers trouble, forcing Joel Embiid to switch and be put through the ringer frequently.

Embiid won’t go down with a fight, of course. Against Brooklyn this season, “The Process” averaged 30.0 points (on 60.0 percent shooting overall and 45.5 percent on 3s), 14.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. The Nets don’t have anyone who can match up with Embiid, so their hope is to run him into the ground with a barrage of pick-and-rolls.

To be completely clear, none of this is slander against JoJo. He’s arguably the best center in the league, and the only high-usage 5 capable of handling those switches in the entire league. But they will take their toll on him, compromising his effectiveness on the other end.

Considering how easy it has been for Embiid to get dinged up here and there, the idea of him tiring in the tightest of circumstances is not outlandish.

General manager Elton Brand likely predicted this dilemma, hence his aggressiveness in obtaining Butler and Harris. As a result, Embiid shouldn’t have to do everything, a la last postseason against the Boston Celtics.